Baptism

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Holy Baptism “is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body, the Church. Baptism is appropriately administered within the Eucharist as the chief service on a Sunday or other feast. Each candidate for Holy Baptism is to be sponsored by one or more baptized persons.” (Book of Common Prayer p. 298)

In the Episcopal Church, baptism is a public affirmation of faith for infants, children, and adults. At St. Matthew’s, it is usually administered by pouring water on the candidate’s head while positioned over the baptismal font. Candidates are baptized “in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”, then “marked as Christ’s own forever” with oil placed on their forehead in the sign of the cross, and then they “receive the light of Christ” by being handed a candle lit from the flame of the Paschal Candle (a large candle near the altar that symbolizes the risen Christ).

St. Matthew’s normally schedules Holy Baptism on four especially appropriate feast days throughout the church year, and baptisms are always in the context of a celebration of the Holy Eucharist:

  • The Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord (the first Sunday after January 6)
  • The Easter Vigil (evening) or Easter Sunday (morning)
  • The Feast of Pentecost (7 weeks after Easter)
  • The Feast of All Saints (the first Sunday after November 1)
  • Other Sundays may be arranged in consultation with the clergy

Baptism is appropriate for infants and children when at least one parent is an active member of a congregation (does not need to be St. Matthew’s) and willing and able to raise the baptized child as a Christian. Once the child is old enough to understand their role as a Christian (usually freshman year of high school), they will have the opportunity to take confirmation classes to learn more about the Christian life, after which they can undertake their own vows and be formally welcomed into the faith by a bishop.

If you’re interested in being baptized yourself, or having your child baptized, the next steps are:

  1. Fill out this Baptism Request Form.
  2. St. Matthew’s clergy will be in touch to arrange a meeting to discuss the process.
  3. While you wait, consider who will be the non-parent sponsor(s)/godparent(s) for the candidate.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Who can be godparents or sponsors? The Episcopal Church requires that the candidate for Holy Baptism have at least one non-parent sponsor/godparent who is a baptized Christian. The godparent need not be Episcopalian because the candidate is being baptized into “Christ’s one holy, catholic, and apostolic Church” rather than into this denomination. It is common to have two godparents – of any gender.
  • Can we take photos or videotapes during the service? Yes, but it should be someone who has no other role in the service. They should refrain from using any flash photography, and we also ask that they do their best not to distract others from the reverence of the occasion. The family is also welcome to stay after the service to take photos. If the clergy is desired for the photo, please ask them in advance (as they tend to get pulled away when the service ends).
  • Can our guests/family members receive Communion? Yes. At St. Matthew’s, communion is open to all who seek Christ.
  • What are expectations for those who are baptized? That those who are baptized will be faithful in worship, will make Christian education a priority, and will be involved in the mission and ministry of the Church.